Illegal Kickbacks Defense Lawyers and Anti-kickback Attorneys
Kickbacks, Bribes, and Health Care and Government Contract Defense Lawyers
Engaging in illegal kickbacks or bribes related to government contracts or healthcare can lead to severe civil and criminal consequences under the federal and state Anti-Kickback regulations. Stark law submissions to the federal government that involve kickbacks contravening these laws are deemed false claims as per the Federal False Claims Act (FCA). Watson & Associates, LLC anti-kickback attorneys represent government contractors and health care firms charged or indicted for illegal kickbacks.
Through these regulations, Congress emphasizes that manipulating business dealings via kickbacks for government contracts undermines the federal procurement mechanism and is strictly prohibited. The False Claims Act is a legal tool to combat such fraudulent actions by government contractors or healthcare professionals.
What are Kickbacks?
In legal terms, a “kickback” encompasses any form of monetary or non-monetary compensation, such as money, gifts, favors, or any item of tangible value, given directly or indirectly to prime contractors, subcontractors, or employees or even government employees. Under Stark law, an illegal kickback is done to gain undue advantage or favoritism with a prime contract or its associated subcontracts. Examples include meals, monetary gifts, event tickets, or even invitations to sporting or recreational events.
Illegal bribes: The act of bribing present or past government officials is equally frowned upon. Presenting or promising any form of value to such government officials, aiming for preferential treatment on a government contract, is unethical and holds legal ramifications under the FCA. Bribes are diverse in nature, spanning from tangible gifts to services, travel facilities, accommodations, and even advanced payments or subsequent reimbursements.
Stark Law Penalties
Criminal penalties and administrative sanctions for Stark Law Violations for violating Anti-Kickback Statute (42 U.S.C. § 1320a-7b(b)) include huge fines, jail terms, and suspension and debarment from participation in the Federal health care programs. In addition, Physicians who pay or accept kickbacks also face penalties of up to $50,000 per kickback plus three times the amount of the remuneration.
If you are facing criminal charges or under a DOJ or OIG investigation for Stark Law violations, our defense attorneys are here to help. At Watson & Associates, LLC, our team of DOJ and OIG stark law lawyers and anti-kickback attorneys specialize in whistleblower and qui tam defense cases. If you are investigated for kickbacks, bribes, and health care illegal bribes, call our government contractor anti kickbacks defense lawyers at 1.866.601.5518.
Why Choose Watson & Associates, LLC for Government Contractor Federal Criminal Defense Cases?
Hire Top Government Contracts and Healthcare Fraud Kickback Lawyers
Receiving kickbacks and money for awarding a government contract in violation of the Anti-kickback in the bidding process can become a serious nightmare. Watson & Associates, LLC offers government contractor fraud and illegal kickbacks defense lawyers who work with local counsel to aggressively defend in government investigations and criminal cases.
Call us today for immediate help and a confidential free initial consultation at 1.866.601.5518. Speak to Theodore Watson.